Nippon Professional Baseball’s Hiroshima Carp have removed shortstop Masaya Yano from their active roster amid new developments in the “zombie cigarettes” scandal that has followed the organization since the start of the year.
The controversy began with former Carp infielder Ryutaro Hatsuki, who was released in February following his arrest for using etomidate, a designated drug commonly referred to in Japan as “zombie cigarettes” when consumed through a vape.
During a May 28 TikTok livestream, Hatsuki alleged that five other Hiroshima players had also purchased the substance. He further accused the organization of fostering an old-school culture of bullying and hazing, including an incident in which a senior teammate allegedly burned his neck with a heated fork.
The case took another turn on July 13, when the tabloid FLASH published several private photographs allegedly showing Carp players socializing with Ryosuke Takiguchi, who has been charged with supplying Hatsuki with the illegal cartridges.
One group photograph shows Hatsuki and Yano with fellow Carp players Kaito Kozono and Shunsuke Tamura, businessman Yuji Mizoguchi, and Takiguchi at a social gathering in 2025. Another allegedly shows Yano with Takiguchi and Mizoguchi inside a members-only lounge in Tokyo, while a third appears to show Yano lying on a bed in a hotel room as Takiguchi takes the photograph.
FLASH also drew attention to an unidentified red object near the bed that it claimed resembled an illegal cartridge. None of the images alone prove that Yano possessed or used etomidate, but he appears to have had the closest relationship with Takiguchi, prompting renewed scrutiny of Hatsuki’s allegations and ultimately leading Hiroshima to remove him from the active roster.
NPB does not have a restricted list, but Yano’s deactivation will effectively serve as one until further notice.
Hiroshima executive Kiyoaki Suzuki emphasized that the team’s internal investigation has not confirmed that the 27-year-old former All-Star used etomidate, but said the photographs raised enough doubt for the organization to act.
“The fact that he was in a private room with someone alleged to be a drug dealer creates serious suspicion,” Suzuki said. “I would be uncomfortable having a player in that situation take the field with the top team.”
No timetable has been set for Yano’s return, and the Carp will continue their investigation. Hiroshima has not taken action against Tamura or Kozono — the reigning Central League batting champion.
Photo: Masaya Yano of the Hiroshima Carp (NPB)
